A Global Review of the Impact of Critical Minerals Mining on Indigenous Lands and Cultural Heritage
Project Description
This UROP involves conducting a literature review of both scholarly and grey literature to elucidate the multifaceted effects of critical minerals mining on Indigenous communities and their cultural heritage. The review will systematically analyse existing studies, reports, and publications that detail the environmental, social, and cultural ramifications of mining-for-energy-transition activities. Scholarly literature will include peer-reviewed articles from journals available in academic databases, while grey literature will include government reports, NGO publications, and community assessments. This nuanced synthesis of information will provide a foundational understanding of the pressing challenges faced by Indigenous populations, revealing critical insights into how the mining-for-energy transition disrupts traditional practices, contributes to environmental degradation, and undermines cultural preservation. This review will serve as a vital resource for informing future research and policy discussions that aim to promote justice and sustainability in energy transitions.
Supervisor
DELINA Laurence Laurencio
Quota
3
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
The UROP students will conduct a review of scholarly and grey literature, identifying key studies, reports, and publications relevant to the impacts of critical minerals mining on Indigenous communities. They will also assist in synthesising and analysing the information gathered from the literature review, helping to identify trends, themes, and gaps in existing research. Finally, they will contribute to the preparation of summaries, reports, and presentations that communicate the findings of the literature review.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
1. Enhanced ability to conduct literature reviews by critically evaluating scholarly and grey literature
2. Develop analytical skills by identifying trends, themes, and gaps in existing research, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the socio-environmental impacts of mining.
3. Learn to synthesise diverse information sources, integrating findings to create cohesive summaries
4. Improved written communication skills, learning to effectively convey research findings to diverse audiences
5. Gain a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in relation to resource extraction, fostering cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in research
Complexity of the project
Challenging